Instructor: Elizabeth Pittel

Date(s): Week One

Lesson Plan Title: Characterization, Definitions and Introduction
Knowledge: These are terms that the students would have covered in a previous course
(I will do a refresher on the board for anyone who is still confused)
Characters are integral to stories
Protagonist: the leading character or one of the major characters in a drama,
movie, novel, or other fictional text.
Antagonist: a person who actively opposes or is hostile to someone or
something; an adversary.
Supporting Character: a character in a narrative that is not focused on by
the primary storyline, but appears and/or is mentioned in the story enough
to be more than just a minor character or a cameo appearance.
Understandings:
1. There are two main different forms of characterization, direct and indirect
2. The both work together to create a character
3. How a character changes over the course of a text is referred to as a character arc.
DO:
1. Review character types (protagonist, antagonists, and secondary characters)
2. Have students bring in a copy of their favorite book (it can be any kind)
3. Define both Direct and indirect Characterization for the students
4. Have the students find examples of both Direct and Indirect Characterization in teir
chosen texts
Instructional Resources/Materials
Worksheet (See Attached) with definitions
Lesson Accommodations (special needs and gifted)
I am working under the assumption that there will be a para-pro in the room should
any students need extra help. I will also make sure that I have a respectful and open
relationship with my students with special needs/accommodations so that they feel
they are heard in my classroom.
CCSS
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.9-10.3
Essential Questions:
Students should consider these questions:
1. What is the difference between direct and indirect characterization?
2. Which form of characterization do you think is most efficient?
3. How does the format of a text change the way a person is characterized?
Assessment

Have the students choose their favorite character from the book of their choice and find
examples of both direct and indirect characterization
Summative & Formative Assessments, Performance Task(s) & Other Evidence i.e. Preassessments, Unit Tests, Quizzes, Essays, Exit Cards, etc.
1. This is all building up to two assessments, one a creative writing assignment
and the other a test on A Streetcar Named Desire.

Creative Writing Assignment: The students will be asked to create a

character and write a three page short scene where they will be
characterized
Test on SND: Choose one character from SND and define what you think is
the MOST important moment for their character. This CANNOT be when a
character dies. Describe the event/moment and analyze why you think this
is this characters defining moment.

What will you do if students do not understand?

Because it is a discussion based classroom, I will make sure to try and build the
student teacher relationship where if a student has an issue
understanding/comprehending a text, they feel comfortable enough to let me know. If a
student does not comprehend the text, I will encourage them to say so before class and
I will try and put them in a group with a student who is high achieving.
Extended Learning (Homework)
The homework will be for students to pick a character from a television show and talk
about how the visual aspect of the character adds to their development.